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DOL Issues Updated Model COBRA Notices and New FAQs

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Margaret Bastick
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Important Links
  • Updated General Notice – The updated COBRA general notice model is available in English and Spanish.
  • Updated Election Notice – The updated COBRA election notice model is available in English and Spanish.
  • FAQs -The DOL’s FAQs about the updated models explain various options for COBRA and Medicare enrollment.

On May 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued new model notices for group health plan administrators to use to comply with COBRA notification requirements.

Although plan administrators are not required to use the updated model notices, the DOL generally considers their use—with the addition of appropriate plan information—to be good faith compliance with COBRA’s content requirements for:

  • The general notice of coverage continuation rights, which must be provided to each employee and spouse within 90 days of coverage; and
  • The notice of a qualified beneficiary’s right to elect continued coverage, which must be provided within 14 days after receiving notice of a qualifying event.

Updates and FAQs Address Medicare-COBRA Interactions

As explained in a set of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) the DOL also issued on May 1, 2020, the updated model notices aim to help qualified beneficiaries better understand the interactions between Medicare and COBRA.

Specifically, the updated models indicate that there may be advantages to enrolling in Medicare before, or instead of, electing COBRA. They also highlight that if an individual is eligible for both COBRA and Medicare, electing COBRA coverage may impact enrollment into Medicare and certain out-of-pocket costs.

Additional details about Medicare and COBRA enrollment options are also included in both the FAQs and updated model notices.

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Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.